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building materials for the perfect diorama

What did you use to build the perfect dirama? What materials have you used to build your dioramas? What works best for you? I am hoping for some great feedback from some of the artists out there! Got some great ideas already, but want to hear from YOU as well.

My Jedi name is Merdar Iyu
Chewie? Chewie!!! Have you even seen Star Wars?!!
"Lev, have you ever heard of Evil Kenevil?" "No, I never saw Star Wars"

Here are a few quotes from another thread that sparked an interest in what everybody else uses to build their dioramas.

Quote from OC47150: Have you thought of glossy paint on a piece of foam core? I did a Naboo diorama using the STAPs, Qui Gon, Obi-Wan and Jar Jar. I painted the board green and added the fake grass from flower arrangements for bushes. It doesn't look too bad.

Quote from OC47150: I spray painted a piece of pressboard black for the base. It's OK but it shows up dust.

Quote from JediDBM: I tried that when I had everything set up, even tried using a piece of glass, spray painting the back side (that was pretty cool looking) to give it a"shiny floor" appearance.

Quote from OC47150: I've been toying with a battle of Naboo diorama and was going to try like astro-turf/fake grass but I might go with the floral arrangement grass again. The grass is only $1 at places like Big/Odd Lots.

My Jedi name is Merdar Iyu
Chewie? Chewie!!! Have you even seen Star Wars?!!
"Lev, have you ever heard of Evil Kenevil?" "No, I never saw Star Wars"

Here is a thread about an awesome Dagobah diorama ACPin made. He talks about what he used. I am working on one like this myself. I just bought a Tree Stump from Petsmart(in the fish and reptile aisle for $10). It is the perfect size for 3 3/4" figures.

Right now, I'm working on a mountain from Hoth. I'm using wire mesh and paper mache. The wire mesh is holding the shape very well. The paper mache is holding great and is cheap(flour and water). I sprayed the mountain with white paint and will cover in with spray snow.

Be not afraid of any man, no matter what his size. When danger threatens call on me, and I will equalize.

– 19th century ad for Colt revolvers

Be wary of the man who only has one gun...for he probley knows how to
use it.

Good Luck Dark Knight, I tried the wire mesh/ paper mache Hoth mountain(s). Mine failed, I guess too much paper mache, my mountain caved in. Let me know how yours turns out in the end. Post pictures if you are willing and have the means. I have been looking in hobby shops at their prefabricated mountains for train boards. Figured they would be easy to work with, then paint white for snow when ready.

My Jedi name is Merdar Iyu
Chewie? Chewie!!! Have you even seen Star Wars?!!
"Lev, have you ever heard of Evil Kenevil?" "No, I never saw Star Wars"

Some of the things I have mentioned in other threads. For my Death Star diorama, I took a sheet of glass, painted one side gloss black (spray paint) then flipped it over so painted side is on the bottom. It gives the appearance of a shiny black floor like what is seen in the hanger of the Death Star when the Emporer arrives in ROTJ. Also, just thought about this the other day, thought about buying the square foot tiles at Home Depot to use for the floor of the Death Star and sand colored tiles for the floor of Jabbas palace and the creature cantina.

My Jedi name is Merdar Iyu
Chewie? Chewie!!! Have you even seen Star Wars?!!
"Lev, have you ever heard of Evil Kenevil?" "No, I never saw Star Wars"

Originally posted by JediDBM Good Luck Dark Knight, I tried the wire mesh/ paper mache Hoth mountain(s). Mine failed, I guess too much paper mache, my mountain caved in. Let me know how yours turns out in the end. Post pictures if you are willing and have the means. I have been looking in hobby shops at their prefabricated mountains for train boards. Figured they would be easy to work with, then paint white for snow when ready.

I have a question on your mountains. What did you use to support it? I used a box and newspaper balled up to help support it. The mountain did not have the shape I wanted but will work. I post pictures maybe next week.

Be not afraid of any man, no matter what his size. When danger threatens call on me, and I will equalize.

– 19th century ad for Colt revolvers

Be wary of the man who only has one gun...for he probley knows how to
use it.

In/ under the part that collapsed, I didn't have anything but the wire and wood, and the top caved in just like a cake. My paper mache Hoth mountain kind of looked like Mt St Helens after it erupted back in the early eighties. Next time I get to build my diorama, may still be a while, but when I do, I will use a little heavier wire and stuff balled up newspaper to support the inside.

My Jedi name is Merdar Iyu
Chewie? Chewie!!! Have you even seen Star Wars?!!
"Lev, have you ever heard of Evil Kenevil?" "No, I never saw Star Wars"